Holly walks out of the room with Westley, and it’s like a little piece of my heart leaves with her.
Mateo plops down on the couch across from me. “You sure do love babies, little sister.”
I roll my eyes. “They’re the purest thing on the planet. Of course I love them.”
Mateo smiles, but he looks exhausted as he sinks further into the couch. “They’re a lot of work too.”
I shrug. “Mami always said babies are the hardest but most rewarding blessing.”
Mateo’s eyes flutter before closing. “It’s true.”
Gentle snores emanate from my brother as I sit, watching the flames dance across the logs. Just when I’m about to get up in search of a Christmas treat to distract me from my thoughts of babies, Mateo sits up and shakes his head.
His eyes land on me, and it’s like a light goes off. “I’ve been meaning to ask. Mami says there’s a guy on the soccer team that’s bothering you.”
Gray eyes and dark hair flash through my mind, a zing of heat racing through my heart. “He’s not bothering me. Julian Storm is an irritant and a jerk, nothing more. Unfortunately, we somehow keep being in classes together. He’s cocky and thinks he’s better than everyone else. Granted, he is an amazing soccer player, but he has zero humility.” I scoff. “Plus he got the best soccer sponsor this year, and his social media following is ridiculous. All he has to do is post a shirtless picture and he gets like a million new followers. Meanwhile, I bust my butt to get sponsors and manage my social media marketing.”
Mateo’s eyebrow arches. “Hmm, someone is sounding a little jealous."
I glare at him. “I’m not jealous. I’m just frustrated. Men have it so easy, while we women have to work twice as hard to get as far, especially in sports.”
Mateo bumps my shoulder with his. “I get it, sis. That’s tough.” Then he smirks, and the teasing tone I know so well sneaks into his voice. “Is your frustration really because he’s irritating, or is it something more?” He wiggles his eyebrows, making him look absolutely ridiculous.
I fake a pout. “It’s definitely all from the fact he’s the most attractive man I’ve ever met.”
“Aha! Here we find the real problem.” He taps his chin dramatically before a sly grin appears on his face. “This sounds like the start of a very good love story, little sister.”
I shake my head. “It does not!”
He folds his arms and leans back on the couch, acting all nonchalant. “From where I sit, it looks like you’ve got a case of the hots for the snobby, grumpy soccer player. Sounds very trope-y to me.”
I facepalm myself. “Ugh. I should have never explained tropes to you.”
Mateo laughs. “I’m glad you did, seeing as how my marriage of convenience turned into a love match.”
I sigh. “Yeah, but love stories like that are one in a million. Real life is totally different from a romance novel.”
He pushes himself off the couch and ruffles my hair as he walks by. “That’s what you think, little sis, but keep your heart open to that broodingly handsome soccer player. He might turn out to be your Mr. Darcy.”
I straighten my hair, pushing strands out of my eyes. “You’re the worst.”
Mateo saunters toward the kitchen. “You love me!”
“Whatever,” I mumble as I put my legs up on the couch, taking up every cushion with my six-foot frame. “He has no idea what he’s talking about,” I tell the fireplace.
But for the rest of the day, I can’t get the image of Julian as Mr. Darcy out of my head.
He actually might look good in 1800s attire.
